He should pay up and feel lucky

Jack Husted broke the law. Now, he wants a medal. Or at least a pat on the back.

Husted is one of five Arizona Game and Fish commissioners. The Springerville man took a friend's son rabbit hunting this past spring.

When they found no rabbits, the 13-year-old shot a Gunnison's prairie dog, instead.

The season on prairie dogs had closed eight days earlier. Oops.

As soon as Husted realized the error, he told the department's director. He was cited for taking wildlife during a closed season, a Class 2 misdemeanor that usually results in a $250 fine. No one is talking about taking away his hunting license or position on the commission.

But he's upset. He told The Republic's Alex Stuckey that he should be rewarded for self-reporting, not disciplined. So, he pleaded not guilty in Round Valley Justice Court.

Wow. A game commissioner ought to know his hunting seasons. He shouldn't take a chance on being on the wrong side of the law. He shouldn't treat the regulations he passes as mere guidelines.

No other hunter would expect to break the law and be praised for acknowledging it. Neither should Husted. If anything, because he is on the commission, he should be held to a higher standard.

Reporting his offense was the least he could do. He should pay the fine and be thankful that's the only consequence.